Classification of

Transmission Lines
 Classification of Transmission Lines
The transmission line performance depends upon the
three parameters R, L, and C. These three parameters are
distributed uniformly along the whole length of the line.
The resistance and inductance form the series impedance
and the capacitance exists between the line conductor and
earth conductor. The overhead transmission lines are
classified as:

 Short transmission lines.

 Medium transmission lines.
 Long transmission lines.
 Short Transmission Lines

When the length of an overhead transmission line is

below 60 km and the line voltage is low (below 20 kV), it
is usually considered as a short transmission line. Due to
the smaller length and lower voltage of the line, the
capacitance effects of the line are extremely small and
hence can be neglected. Therefore, while studying the
short transmission line performance, only resistance and
inductance of the line are taken into account.
 Medium Transmission Lines

When the length of an overhead transmission line is

about 60 to 150 km and the line voltage is high (20 to 100
kV), it is usually considered as a medium transmission
line. Due to sufficient length and voltage of line, the
capacitance effects are also taken into account while
studying the medium transmission line performance.
Though capacitance is uniformly distributed over the
entire length of the line yet reasonable accuracy is
obtained by considering the capacitance of such a line
lumped at one or more places.
 Long Transmission Lines

When the length of an overhead transmission line is

more than 150 km and the line voltage is very high (more
than 100 kV), it is usually considered as long
transmission line. To study the performance of such a
line, the line constants are considered uniformly
distributed over the whole length of the line and rigorous
methods are employed for the solution.
 Comparison of AC and DC Transmission

The transmission of electric power over long distances

was developed at the beginning of the twentieth century.
Since then, it has made rapid progress in its design and
methods of operation, which has resulted in greater
reliability and continuity. The electric power can be
transmitted either by means of an AC or DC system. Each
system has its own merits and demerits. It is desirable to
discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the two
methods to make the comparison of AC and DC
transmission system.
 Advantages of DC Transmission System
1. It requires only two conductors for transmission as
compared to three conductors in an AC system. It is also
possible to transmit power through only one conductor by
using earth as a returning conductor causing much saving
in conductor material (copper or aluminum).
2. Inductance, capacitance, phase displacement, and surge
problems are eliminated in DC transmission.

3. There is no skin effect in DC. Therefore, the entire cross-

section of the line conductor is utilized. Thus, the
conductor offers less resistance.
 Advantages of DC Transmission System
4. Since there is no inductance and capacitance, the voltage
drop in a DC transmission line is less than an AC line for the
same sending end voltage and load. Therefore, a DC
transmission line has better voltage regulation.

5. For the same working voltage, the potential stress on the

insulation (in case of DC system is 70% (1/√2times) of that in
the AC system. Hence, a DC line requires less insulation.

6. There is less corona loss in a DC line, which reduces the

interference with communication circuits.

7. There are no stability problems and synchronizing difficulties

in the DC transmission.
 Disadvantages of DC Transmission
System
1. Electric power cannot be generated at high voltages in
the DC system due to commutating difficulties.

2. For the transmission of power at the high voltages, the

DC voltages cannot be stepped up.

3. The DC switchgear (i.e., circuit breakers) have their own

limitations.
Nowadays, a high voltage AC transmission system (3-phase,
3-wire) is mostly employed. To make the comparison of AC
and DC transmission system following advantages and
disadvantages of a high voltage AC transmission system
should be kept in mind:
 Advantages of High Voltage AC
Transmission System

1. The AC power can be generated at high voltages (33 kV

or 11 kV).

2. The AC voltage can be stepped up easily and efficiently

to the economic limit for transmission by transformers.
It can also be stepped down by transformers to any value
as per requirement for distribution and utilization.

3. The maintenance of AC switchgear is easy and cheaper.

 Disadvantages of High Voltage AC
Transmission System
1. It requires more conductor material (copper or
aluminum).
2. The construction of an AC transmission line is more
complicated than the DC transmission line.
3. Due to skin effect, the effective resistance of the AC line
is more, which increases the losses and correspondingly
decreases the efficiency of transmission.
4. Due to inductance and capacitance, the voltage drop in
the AC line is more than the DC line for the same
sending end voltage and load. This makes the voltage
regulation poor.
5. The AC transmission lines have more corona loss, which
creates interference in communication circuits.
 Comparison of AC & DC Transmission
System
A 3-phase, 3-wire AC system is employed for
transmission of electric power because, in this case, power
at high voltage can be generated, and the voltage can be
stepped up and stepped down very easily and efficiently by
using transformers. However, in the above discussion, it is
clear that high voltage DC transmission is superior to high
voltage AC transmission. Therefore, it is preferred to adopt
a high voltage DC transmission. This can be achieved by
using rectifiers and inverters to convert AC into DC and vice-
versa easily and efficiently. The present-day trend is towards
AC for generation and distribution and high voltage DC for
transmission.
Comparison of AC & DC Transmission
System
 Comparison of AC & DC Transmission
System

The 3-phase AC power is generated at the generating station, and

voltage is stepped up by transformer T1, located at the sending
end. Then AC is converted into high voltage DC by rectifiers, and
power is transmitted. Then at the receiving station, DC is
converted into AC by inverters, and a transformer T2 steps down
the voltage as per requirement for distribution of electric power.
 Comparison of AC & DC Transmission
System

A graph, cost versus transmission distance for AC

transmission and DC transmission (HVDC – High Voltage DC
Transmission ) is shown in Figure. It is clear from the graph
that AC transmission is economical for smaller transmission
distances, whereas DC transmission is economical for larger
transmission distances.